Hey all! Thanks so much for reading this and keeping with it! Also thanks to everyone sharing and liking this on Tumbler! great Advertisement!
This chapter i actually split into two and they'll both bee a little shorter. I'm already working on finishing the next part and should have it up sometime next week!
ENJOY!
Chapter 2: Return
Levy closed the balcony door behind her with a soft click. Leaning against it, she held her breath for a moment and listened. After a pause she heard the soft sounds of the Dragon moving as he remounted the wall and jumped off. She spun around and pulled the curtain away to catch a last glimpse of him, but he was already too far gone for her to see. With a sigh she opened the curtains fully to let in the dawn as it slowly began to stretch out over the landscape. The breeze was picking up as she could see the fields of grasses rippling by the strength of it. She briefly wondered if the Dragon would have any difficulty with the wind, but pushed the thought from her mind, he was stronger than something like the wind.
Turning back to her room she went to the fireplace on the far wall from her bed nestled between her lavish closet and even more lavish washroom. Someone had been in her chambers and kept the fire going. She warmed her hands over the white stone fireplace remembering the open fire in the cave on the mountain and how it had filled the entire room with warmth and light. She now knew it was due to the massive logs that Gajeel burned. Looking at her own stack of fire wood, she smiled, it seemed so tiny now, like matchsticks next tree trunks. Reaching above her to a silver cup on the mantle she grabbed a long match and lit it in the fire, then went around the room and lit the various candles there. Finally she tossed the stick in the fire and made her way to the washroom for a much needed bath.
Sitting on the edge of the stone bath, she trailed her fingers across the surface of the slowly rising water. Clad in a simple white and silver robe she let her mind wander to how she was going to explain to everyone where she had been the last few days. She knew she couldn't say anything about Gajeel that would have the army marching on the Dragon's mountain as soon as his name feel from her lips. What about her arm? The King was going to have a fit that she was missing, and to come back injured… She would have to wear a long sleeve dresses. It was a conceivable cover has the days were still warming from the cold winter, but they were not out of the woods so to speak, and everyone knew that she hated the cold. Maybe that was why someone had kept the fire going in her chambers, so that it would be warm for her return. She smiled at the thought; that there were so many people in the castle that cared so much about her, it made her happy. She skimmed the top of the water again in the nearly full bath, checking that it warm enough to bathe in. Makarov had been the one who designed and oversaw the building of the water system in the castle. It was a huge project she was told, but it was greatly appreciated. Huge fires of coal and wood were stoked constantly to heat the water as it passed over the fire before a pressure system Makarov had created himself pushed the warmed water to all wash rooms in the castle.
Having filled the bath enough she removed the robe and stepped in. Leaning back against the high walls of the tub, she allowed herself to relax for a while before reaching for a rag and some soap to wash herself. After washing she dried, re-robbed and picked out a longer dress than the one she had been wearing before. The garment was of fine cotton and wool, a bright blue close to the color of her hair with long, flowing sleeves and a black corset bust, trimmed in white lace and a soft powder blue top skirt. Wrapping her messy hair up with her characteristic head bands, she smiled to herself and made for the door. She still had no idea what she was going to do or say for that matter. Maybe Gajeel should have dropped me off a little ways from one of the side gates, then it would look like I came just up the path… Ohhh, I'm so stupid! Frowning she reached for the heavy handle of the chamber door, Ahh, well, nothing I can do about it now, I… I… I'll just say that I snuck in through the servants' quarters… Lucy and I used to do that all the time… and I came right to my room to get changed… so…..that I would be more presentable! Yes that'll work. I hope!
Taking a breath she pulled the door open a crack and poked her head out to check if the coast was clear. Looking up and down the hallway, she saw no one and with a sigh left her room, quietly shutting the door behind her. It almost felt weird being in the castle again… yet she was so much more relaxed here, but at the same time nervous. It's just because you're going to be lying to everyone about everything that happened. I hate lying to people… Turning out of the Northwest Wing where the Royals' chambers were, she entered the West Wing with hesitation. Peaking around the corner and seeing no one, she let out another breath as she stepped out. She hadn't gone more than a few steps when someone came around the corner of the far end of the hall. She stopped when she recognized the individual, her least favorite person in the Castle, no Fiore, no the world. Her half-brother.
Laxus too came to a halt, his face openly showing his surprise. He flustered for a moment, opening and closing his mouth like a fish. Levy narrowed her eyes. It was unusual for Laxus to be caught off guard… then again she was supposed to be missing, and for him to round the corner and find her there in fresh clothes and smelling of the bath would catch anyone off guard. Finally, Laxus found his voice.
"Le… Levy! What in the Hell!? Where!? I don't – How?" clearing his throat he started again, "Where have you been? And how did you get into the castle without anyone knowing!?"
Levy watched him carefully, he was nearly 20 years her senior, but she out ranked him, still he was nothing to sneeze at and people knew it, and when standing so close, the blond was so much taller than herself, she had to crane her neck to look at him. Off handedly in the back of her mind she wondered who was bigger, Laxus or Gajeel? "I, I snuck in. Through the, um, servants quarters. The wall there wasn't guarded, so it was easy to get in, then slip around the back. Henhe… Like when Lucy and I used to do when we were younger." She added a soft smile to her lie to make a little more convincing. Luckily for her, it seemed as though Laxus bought it.
"The servants quarters? No one guarding the wall!?... You got very lucky. Princess. Have you any idea the trouble you have caused!?" His voice changed from wondering to scolding to anger those few short sentences, "The King has ordered every able bodied man to go out in search of you! Just yesterday I lead a party of the elite Knights of Fiore into the Black Forest in search of you. The two gentleman who have been courting you, volunteered to search with them and while I, obviously, and the elite have returned, your suitors have not! If they are dead because of your arrogance-"
"LEVY!"
From behind her Levy recognized the voice of Lucy, and in relief turned just in time to have the blond bombshell tackle her to the floor, tears gushing out of her eyes as she practically squeezed the life out of Levy. Crap! I didn't expect this so soon. I haven't had time to think of anything to say to them! Behind Lucy, Natsu and Grey trotted up and stopped before the two ladies. Laxus exchanged glares with the other two men before rubbing his mouth and turning away working that same hand up to his hair shaking his head.
"Levy, are you alright!?"
"I… Can't, Lucy! I can't BREATHE!"
"Luce, come on, get up and give her some air… Lucy." Natsu was speaking sweetly to his betrothed as he eased her off of the crushed Princess.
Gasping for breath, Levy sat up and after a moment took Gray's offered hand and he helped her stand. She gave him a tight and sorrowful smile, which he returned with a wink. Snapping his heels together and becoming the Commander he was, he bowed to her and kissed the back of her hand before he straightened again.
"Princess, I am glad that you have returned. We were very worried about you. It will be a relief to everyone to know that you are safe and well."
Now that's more like it. Levy really couldn't help thinking, Laxus was no gentleman and no manners when it came to his superiors. She supposed it was his way of dealing with his punishment, acting as if he were still the Prince of Fiore and in line to take the thrown and she was his bastard good for nothing half-sister. At least the palace has some GENTLEMAN left. To bad Gray is courting Juvia… He would make a great King. Pulling herself from her thoughts, she smiled a little more warmly than before at her childhood friend.
Natsu, who was holding a still crying Lucy, flashed her his typical Dragon-esk grin, "Good to have you back Princess. I bet you've got one hell of a story to tell! Haha!" That was Natsu for you… always focusing on the action… ahh well, at least Lucy was starting to rein him in.
"Yes. I'm sure the Princess does have a fantastic story to tell us. I for one, am very interested in hearing it…" Laxus that snake, his perfectly smooth voice slipped out of his mouth as poison that effected them all. He really was one messed up person.
Throwing a frown at Laxus over her shoulder Levy let out a sigh. "I will tell it… but not now," Laxus sent a glare her way and was about to speak but Levy hurried on, "I want to see the King first and let him know I'm alright, then I will share my tale, you are… all… welcome to come hear it," Turning to grey she offered him a small smile, "I'm sure there are still people out looking or me, it would be good if they came back as I am no longer missing," Gray returned her smile in understanding and bowed to her once again then set off down the corridor he had come from, " I also believe that the royal court should know of my return," Looking pointedly at Laxus she continued, "Please have them informed of my return and that I wish to address them?" He looked less than joyous at her request and with a snarl turned on his heal and stocked away. Levy sighed and relaxed visibly when he disappeared around the corner. "Natsu, would you take me to the King and formally announce me, I think that would be the best way…"
"Sure, no problem! C'on Luce, dry your tears, ya' gotta' look presentable for the King." He tenderly stroked his lover's cheek with his knuckles. Lucy half giggled half sniffled, and sent him a watery smile. The love that passed between them in the momentary display of affection had Levy turning away and biting her lip. She knew that look in Lucy's eyes, she had the same look not a few hours ago, while maybe not to the extreme emotions as these two; something had still passed between her and Gajeel. No, she couldn't think about him now, not when she was going to the King's side. She might let something slip and that could be disastrous…
She only looked up when Natsu came up beside her and offered his arm for her. Rolling her eyes while grinning, she took it, noticing that Lucy was on his other arm as she did so. Natsu had a smug smirk on his face as he set off. Not too far down the hall and both Levy and Lucy were snorting with laughter at the pompous look on Ntasu's face as he strutted around with them.
Yes, Levy was glad she had these kind of friends. The ones who would be there to pick her up and to make her laugh, to worry about her when she was gone, and to have them to return too. Her mind again wandered to the dragon on his secluded mountain as Natsu escorted her to the King's chambers. How lonely must he be? What happened when he needed someone to fall on, what disappointment and emptiness he must feel when he comes back to that cave and there is no one there to greet him, to be happy to see him? How long had it been since he had interacted with other people, in a positive way, and was it that lack of interaction that kept him from leaving her in the Black Forest? Did he maybe just want someone to be with, and that was why he had allowed her to stay in his bed, in his home for as long as she did' and why they had become so attached to each other after the events that had transpired? She pondered that word. Attached. Were they? What did that mean? Was he thinking about her as much as she was thinking about him?
When was he going to come back? Or did she have to go to him?
Levy was pulled from her thoughts when Natsu stopped and let go of the ladies arms. Flashing them another smile he stepped through the double doors that lead to the Kings chambers.
"My Lord, Pardon my intrusion," there was the Kings soft voice, as if he were very tired or sick… "Yes… What, what is it. My boy?"
"Sire, my I present to you the Princess of Fiore…and Lady Lucy."
Levy grabbed ahold of Lucy's arm and they walked in together. From the moment she entered the room Levy could feel that something wasn't right. When she entered the chambers, she was distressed at the sight that met her eyes. The king was in his bed, that in itself was nothing out of the norm but he was pale and sweating, his eyes only half open. Holding one of his hands was Lady Mira on the far side of the bed from the trio. Levy hurried to the Kings side and instantly fell to her knees at his bed side taking his other hand in hers and pressing her lips to it, not talking her eyes off his face as he turned to look at her. His drowsy eyes opening wide when he registered what Natsu had said and recognized the woman at his side. Lifting his hand from hers, he touched her face with shaky fingers, as if testing to see if she was real or just a figment of his imagination. He seemed so frail and old.
"Levy….Oh Levy! I… I was so… Worried. But here… you are, safe and… and well?" His voice was a little horse and filled with both shock and relief.
"My Lord, oh my Lord," Levy whimpered her heart aching, her mind subconsciously darting to her injured arm, "Am I the reason for your bedridden state?"
The King smiled a little at her, "Oh my dear Levy …you know how I worry about you so…" Levy hung her head in shame, but gentle fingers under her chin forced her head up again, "But I was not the only one… who was worried. Poor Max was, so upset… that he couldn't cook straight," humor twinkled in his dark eyes as his lips twitched upward under his bushy moustache, "T'was a dish of bad vegetables, Max mistook, the one's… for the hogs, and used those… I dare say, the hogs greatly enjoyed the confusion! Hehehe!"
Levy once again took his hand in hers, tears in the corners of her eyes as she smiled at his words, "I will have to go and share my apology with Chef Max later," Kissing his hand again she continued, "Sire, I am deeply sorry for upsetting you and the castle so! I only meant for a short ride to clear my head, the two suitors… had my mind so disorganized and frazzled I simply wished for some fresh air, and you do know how I love to let Moonlight gallop to her hearts content! I dare say we both needed it and loved it so." She paused in her rambling when the King patted her hand and offered her a soft smile.
"Levy, calm yourself. You are not in any trouble… but I do wish to know, what happened. I think we all would."
"Yes my lord, I will say. If I may request that the Commander be present as well? He went to inform those still searching of my return. I would like to wait until his return." The King nodded and faced forward again and closed his eyes resting once more, patting her hand a last time.
Levy moved to sit at the foot of the king's bed as Natsu grabbed a seat for Lucy then stood by her side, a hand on her shoulder. Mira reached across the bed to Levy who met her in the middle and they clasped hands. Mira gave Levy her soft and beautiful smile her blue eyes conveying how glad she was that Levy was back safely. The Princess returned her smile and gave her hand a little squeeze, just as there came a knock on the Kings Chamber door. Natsu opened the door and stepped back to let Gray in. However, Gray was not the only one to enter; sweeping in behind the Commander, his lush green robes billowing about him, was Laxus. Without so much as a look to the bedridden King, he went to the plush window seat behind Mira and sat down crossing his arms and placing one leg over the other. Mira glanced over her shoulder almost flirtatiously, then went to his side. After exchanging glares with Natsu and Gray, Laxus turned his crystal gaze on Levy and held it there.
Ignoring the blond man, Gray bowed low to the king then went to his side and took his hand, kissing it as Levy had done. The King smiled at the Commander who stood at his side as he turned to Levy.
"Alright Princess, let us hear it. We want to know everything." With a heavy sigh Levy collected her thoughts and began to weave her tale of the past few days.
Levy closed her door quietly and pressed her back up against the sold wood. Looking out her window where the skies were starting to turn gray and dark with imposing rain, she let out a deep sigh. She hated lying to people, especially those closest to her. Then again, she didn't want Gajeel to be found out. Thus she had spun a tale how Moonlight had enjoyed their gallop a little too much, and with Levy off thinking, they had ended up much farther than either expected, and Moonlight being a little worked up from staying in her stall for so long spooked and Levy fell causing the scratch on her arm. Her wound was healed to the point that she could accurately play it off as a smaller incident than it really was. She explained that her mare had taken off and Levy was unable to call her back. She was lucky that a passerby had found her, and at first she was afraid, but he took care of her, and while he was a little gruff around the edges, he really was a nice man.
A smile pulled at her lips as she looked to the floor. She hadn't lied about the character of the man, just who he was and what he looked like. She had described Gajeel's personality as the stranger on the road and thinking about him now, she felt a twinge in her heart. A crack of thunder caused her to jump out of her memories, and she quickly went to close the balcony doors that someone had opened to let some fresh air in. Snapping the doors shut, she looked out as rain suddenly dumped from the skies and all of the light had vanished. Back in her own room now, she watched the storm for a little while and wondered how the Dragon was doing in his cave. She remembered when he had gotten angry and there had been thunder and how it resonated and echoed in the cave. She wondered what he was doing now, what he did every day. There were so many things unknown about Dragons and their lives, she so desperately wanted to know more. Maybe tomorrow she would head to the massive library in the castle and see what information there really was about Dragons. Turning away from the doors she pulled the curtains closed and went to the lounging couch facing the fire place and curled up, watching the fire crackle and burn until her eyes closed and she drifted to sleep.
The next morn, Levy was again in the library just after dawn. This time she had gathered all the books she could that mentioned Dragons at all, even if only briefly. Levy spent the next few days searching for information about dragons in the palace library. She found it was harder than she had expected as either the information was lost, or a book or scroll didn't go into too much detail. She was frustrated with her lack research materials, and even more so that no one was brave enough to ask a Dragon! Well maybe that was a silly thing to expect from the average person, since she met her Dragon under rather unique circumstances. It was when she was in the middle of deciphering a book from another county and language that she was interrupted. Realizing that someone was talking to her she snapped her head up looking at the person before her.
"Oh! Jellal!" He smiled softly at her and bowed slightly, "I'm sorry I was lost in this translation, what was it you were asking?"
With a knowing look in his eyes Jellal chuckled under his breath, "Princess, I am glad that someone enjoys the linguistic arts as much as I. Master Freed has taught you well." Levy flushed at the praise from the sorcerer as he continued, "I am here to bring you to the King as he is requesting to talk with you about some matters…" His smile faltered a little, "It's about the two young men who were courting you…"
Levy looked concerned at the man, "Were?" Jellal shifted his weight from one foot to the other and offered her a strained smile. Levy did not ask and took his offered hand as she rose. Jellal escorted her to the Kings Chambers before disappearing into the shadows he so frequently occupied.
Closing the door behind her, Levy smiled at the King sitting in his bed. Bowing slightly to him, she made her way to his side, "How are you feeling sire? You look as if there is more color in your face. You know I am worried about you, it's been nearly a week since you took to bed."
"Ahh, Levy. You needn't worry so, I may not have your youth but I will be alright. You younglings have such strength that my old body lacks, you have the ability for a speedy recovery from some bad vegetables, where I need time to recover. If only I could be young again, ahh the things I could do… the lands to be explored, people found, mysteries of what lays in the beyond… " The King was lost in a dream for a few moments until Levy cleared her throat. Looking back at her suddenly he smiled kindly, patting her knee lightly before replacing his hands in his lap, "But we are not here to talk of adventures and impossibilities ," Levy's smile fell a little at the knowing look shot her way, "… Levy… my dear child… I am afraid that the two gentlemen, well, their bodies were recovered from the Black Forest just this morning. The search party said it was quite horrid."
Levy caught her breath suddenly, Gajeel!?
Mistaking her reaction the King nodded, "Yes child, I have received word of a rough lone wolf of massive proportions, apparently he has taken to consuming man and has attacked several villagers who farm on the edge of the Black Forest."
Only half listening, Levy was lost in her own though I didn't mean for people to die trying to find me! This is all my fault! As if reading her thoughts, the King reached out to her and took her hand in his, "Levy, Levy dear, none of this is your fault! You weren't the one who ended their lives. This is the work of that great wolf."
"Yes, but they were out looking for me, if they weren't they would still be pestering me to wed one of them!" Despite the situation, the King laughed, "Ahhh hahaha, yes, yes that would be true! But I suppose there is a part of you that is glad to be rid of them, hmm?" Levy flushed and adverted her eyes, "Sire… that is hardly a respectable thing to say…" Again the King laughed.
There was a moment of relaxation where Levy's face returned to its normal color and the King's giggles subsided. Finally the King turned serious again, "Levy… you do know what this means, don't you?"
Levy felt her heart sink, "Yes, I have to find another nobleman to wed… and quickly, as this month is nearly past." The king's face darkened and his mouth twisted into a grim line, "Levy, I was approached by someone just a little while ago about this exact issue…" Levy looked up, "Yes?"
The King took a deep breath and let it out slowly, "I don't like it, I don't like it one bit… But we are in a tough position and have limited choices… He's smart I'll give him that… but he isn't ready to rule, he doesn't have what it takes just yet… I was hoping he would grow up some more, but he hasn't…" He seemed to be talking more to himself than Levy, who farrowed her brow trying to think of who he was talking about, then it hit her…
"NO! NO! Not… NOT, LAXUS!?" She gaped at the king in horror, hoping, praying that she had made the wrong conclusion, "But we are related by blood? Even if I am a bastered half-sister, a sister I am still!?"
The King looked dejectedly at his hands, as if they were supposed to hold a better answer then the one hanging in the air between them. Closing his eyes he rubbed the back of his neck with a sigh. Levy turned away one hand covering her mouth in shock. Laxus!? How on earth could I marry him!? We're only half related, but marriage? Heirs!? Laxus!? No! no I refuse! I can't, I just can't. Her shoulders shook as she glared at the floor, her free hand clenching into a fist at her side.
"Now, now my dear. Calm yourself, I have no intention of letting you get married to my fool of a grandson. He is not fit to rule a kingdom, much less take care of a wife. We'll… figure something out." Lifting her head, angry tears in her eyes she looked at the King.
What could be done? Her suitors were dead, there was no one to take their place but Laxus, lest they start the search over again for someone else who was suitable. There had been so many willing to take her hand the first time round, where were they all now? This was such an integral part of tradition and maintaining peace in the Kingdom that no just any man could be plucked from the streets and wed to a princess, yet, she realized, they couldn't return to the other suitors and offer a proposal, which would be disrespectful having turned them down once only to come back and offer again. There were no other options. She was stuck. She hung her head again.
The King tried to comfort her, but there wasn't anything more he could really do for her. Levy stayed a while longer, then the King sent her away asking if she would let Jellal in for a word. Bowing and agreeing to do so she left the chambers, passing on the Kings message to Jellal who was still waiting outside. As he passed her to enter the Kings quarters, the tall dark and mysterious man placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a little squeeze. She looked up into the man's eyes, startled at the contact. The only people who Jellal trusted enough to touch him or him them were the King and his wife – Lady Erza.
Jellal offered her a smile, "You are so young, and you bare such responsibility on your shoulders Princess. You won't have such freedom as you do now come summers end, enjoy it, relish it, live for it. Most importantly, do what you think is best for the kingdom, the people and yourself. Do not forget about yourself. An unhappy heart leads one astray. Worry not Levy… If Laxus tries anything I'll turn him into the rat he is and feed him to the dogs." There was a twinkle in his eyes as he patted her shoulder and walked into the chambers.
Levy looked over her shoulder for a moment, then smiled herself. Thank you Jellal, you always seem to know what to say in times like this. I know you will be as good of an advisor to me as you are to the present King. She went on her way back to the library to continue her research. So lost in thought, she relied on her muscle memory to get to her destination, and thus was not paying attention. This was unfortunate for the person she ran into, quite literally, was the last one she every wanted too.
Gasping with surprise, she stumbled backward falling to the ground if not for the thick strong arm that snaked around her middle and swiped her off her feet and into his arms. Levy instinctively grabbed to his neck for support before she realized who it was.
"L-Laxus!"
"Princess," His voice was velvet sweet smooth velvet, "I take it you are on your way to the Library. You always seem to lose yourself when you're headed there." Levy hated it, to her he sounded evil in all essence of the word.
Refusing to let her down Laxus suddenly turned on his heal and began walking the way he had come, his long strides covering much more ground than she could. There was so much of a difference between them, how on earth could they be married!? She forced herself not to think about that.
"Laxus, put me down! This is embarrassing, I am fully capable of walking myself! And where are you taking me anyway!?"
Laxus snorted, "Sure, that's why you fell over just now when knocked a little off balance. You should be more careful. As for where we are headed, to the gardens. We won't be bothered there, so why not just enjoy my curtesy hmm?"
"…Why?"
"So we can be alone…"
That's what I'm afraid of…
Resining to the fact that Laxus would not let her down any time soon Levy sighed. They reached one of the many castle gardens a few moments later. The castle had different gardens all around its base, and on every level of the main structures. The King had ordered that a garden be accessible to anyone on any floor, because he was getting old and stairs were hard for him without help. This garden where Laxus had taken Levy too was one of the bigger ones that the library overlooked. Striding easily though the large glass doors that separated the hallway from the lavishness before them, he made a quick pace to the very middle of the gardens. Finally setting her down on a bench, he took the spot next to her. There grew an awkward silence between the two, and Levy shifted uncomfortably.
Finally Laxus broke the silence, "I'm sure you are aware of the situation you now find yourself in." She looked at him confused, but he wasn't looking at her, "Your suitors are no more Princess." He was so calm about it, it was as if he was making a comment about the weather not telling her that her possible future husband was dead, "do you know how they died?" He shot her a sideways glance.
"The King said a beast-"
He interrupted her with a snort, "Bullshit! It was the Dragon, you know the one? Black Steel they call him. He attacked us, and he killed those two. I was lucky to get away with my life, but the Dragon wanted others to know not to come to the Forest!" Liar. Levy thought, he had used the same excuse before, she remembered that. Her stomach flipped though, Gajeel killed them? But that couldn't be, he had been with her the whole time, not that she could admit that.
Despite her musings Laxus continued, "With Jet and Droy being dead, you have no one else to save you from a life of misery as a beggar." His lips twisted into a smile that was colder than his words."That is none of your business, and how dare you speak of the poor souls in such a manor?" Again the prince smiled, "Ahh, yes forgive me, my they rest in peace… Now, back to the matter at hand… Or should I say your hand?"
Levy remembered the King's warning that Laxus may be intending to peruse her now that Jet and Droy were gone. The uncomfortable feeling was growing by the second, and again she squirmed where she sat trying to look anywhere but at the man next to her. Standing she walked a few paces to one of the large magnolia bushes in the garden bending slightly to smell the flowers, "Yes, that is something that I will have to figu-"
"Yes, yes, I was going to ask what you plan on doing for a husband now," Laxus cut her off with a wave of his hand. He stood and moved to the rose bushes that surrounded a bubbling fountain just before them, "You would not do well living in the streets, even in the capital city. No you, Princess are a delicate flower that has been nurtured and adored since birth, and now that you are grown and blooming it is time for you to produce seeds of your own to take after you when you wither,"
His fingers lightly stroked a lovely red blossom, "But if something were to happen to that beautiful flower, say it was picked," He snapped the stem of the rose and brought it to his nose, "If it was simply tossed to the side, then it would be trampled under the feet of the people, torn by the abuse and wilted for lack of care," He began to pull the leaves from the steam, then the pedals, one by one, "It would die a long, slow, painful death, and suffer. Wondering why, why it was picked out of all the other flowers, why that one…"
He twirled the remains of the flower in is long fingers. Levy watched the once beautiful, now pathetic flower twirl, the life it had just held moments before was gone. The flower was never going to be as bright or noble as it was before. She understood the reference he was making, and so when he offered it to her she jumped. Looking up to his face, she suddenly went cold. The look he was giving her, the sharpness of his eyes, the unsettling feeling in her stomach as he smirked at her, the shadows playing with his facial features throwing half of his face in the light, half in darkness. He looked… evil. Taking a step back, she placed a hand over her heart to slow its speed, though it didn't help. There was a pause before she refused the flower with a sharp turn of her head eyes shining. Laxus' smile slipped a notch, he hadn't really expected her to accept him with open arms, but it still stung. Turning away Levy quickly made for the door back to the castle.
Suddenly she was jerked back around by her injured arm. Laxus's fingers closed tightly around her upper arm and he dragged her back to him. Crying out in surprise and pain she turned to him and suddenly they were very close, Laxus having bent down more to her level. Gaping she was forced to look the man in the eye.
"Don't even think about it! Those two brats were you're last chance Princess… you would be stupid to refuse what I have to offer," he sneered when she shivered and swallowed hard, "I am truly, your last chance. Marry me Levy. Marry me and bare my children so that our line will continue. Screwed as it may be, marry me so that you aren't picked flower and end up a pathetic excuse of a weed in the streets. Do it, do it for the kingdom you love so much. Make me your King and blossom into the flower you were chosen to be!" He was so close to her face now that he was practically spitting on her as he hissed the words at her. Levy was frozen still, unable to even respond.
Finally, life seemed to bloom in her body again and she yanked her arm free of his grip. She gave him her best glare.
"The Nerve! You, Oh…you…! No! No! I'll take my chances in the streets, I'd rather – rather – march out to the Black Forest, up the mountain and marry the Dragon that lives there than have to marry you! Yes, I'd rather marry the Dragon there than be you're wife! I – I will decide my own future – and you are not going – going to be a part of it! Not at all!" There he cut her off for the second time, "What on earth? The Dragon on the mountain? How do you know that's where he lives?"
His eyes narrowed suddenly, "Did you by, chance run into that Dragon on your little adventure?"
Caught off guard, Levy floundered before regaining her focus, "That's – that's none of your business! I have no clue where Gajeel lives! But that's beside the poi-"
"Gajeel!? You know his name!?
Oh… She had said too much, her temper was getting the best of her and she had let too much slip out… this was getting dangerous. Laxus was the last person to know the truth about her and Gajeel, she had to be very careful now.
"W-what are you- you getting at!? This is beside the point –!"
"What I'm getting at, dear princess, is that you lied. You have meet the Dragon, on your little adventure into the Black Forest perhaps? Maybe you would like to marry him, wouldn't you? Fallen in love have you?"
Levy narrowed her eyes even more, the frustration nearly bubbling over. She puffed out her cheeks and stomped her foot on the ground, crying out in frustration her voice rose and she screamed at him "Gajeel has nothing to do with this! You're talking nonsense! Drop IT!"
Laxus raised his eyebrows at her outburst.
She continued her voice not changing, "What does it matter who or what I'd prefer to marry? As long as it's not you; yes give me Gajeel to wed! He would be a better husband than you! We are related by blood! Or have you forgotten!? I would not marry you and I most certainly will not have your children! And how dare you treat me so! You're such a filthy pig! Say away from me and don't ever bring this topic up again!" Flustered, she stumbled over her words as she raced to spit them out at the man, no – animal – before her. Her face was growing more and redder with every word she spoke. Finally she spun on her heel, her periwinkle skirts fluttering around her as she stalked off back to the castle.
Laxus watched her go. So, she had met the Dragon had she? The Princess was a terrible liar. He would have to keep an even closer eye on her now. Gods forbid it that the Dragon be dragged into this mess. While Laxus owed the Black Steel Dragon a scar of his own, he had little wish to face the beast again. Natsu may have been lucky enough to slay a Dragon, something Laxus had failed to do himself, but he had nearly died in the process and Laxus was smarter than that. Stretching up straight again he rubbed the back of his head still watching the place were Levy had dissipated from. Finally turning, he stalked off back into the depths of the garden, his shoes tapping the pavestones sharply. She would have to come round sooner or later. In the end things would work out. Just as they had with the first part of his plan… he smiled at the memory.
"As you wish my Lord." Laxus bowed out of the kings chambers. Turning, he quickly strode off down the dark hall, what little light slipping through the curtains casting glimpse of the evil sneer on Laxus's face, his cold blue eyes glittering with something just as evil. It was time to set his plan into motion.
He quickly found the suitors and informed them of the Princess's disappearance, the poor saps were more than willing to help find her. Of course, Laxus had dropped the hint that whoever was the one to rescue her, would be the one she would most likely marry. The knight in shining armor! They were all too eager to take his bait. It hadn't taken him long to suggest that they check out the Black Forest as the rest of the land was being covered. They agreed with the same stupid eagerness, unknowing of what dangers awaited them there.
It had been all too easy, the entire thing, Laxus almost couldn't believe his luck. He was able to slip behind the two others and come at them from behind. All it took was one swing to the left, and a revers to the right and the heads of the suitors rolled, litterally. After that, he only needed to make it look like a real monster had attacked the trio. He scratched one shield, then smashed the others. He broke one spear and shattered the others sword. When their weapons were satisfactorily destroyed, he turned to the headless bodies themselves. Taking his dagger, he opened their corpses in such a way the made it look as though great claws had sliced their bodies open. Using the blood that was pooling from their corpses he painted it on their horse's bodies for a realistic touch.
Finally he took the mangled bodies and tied them to their mounts. Mounting his own steed he gathered the reins of the other horses and rode deeper into the Forest where he found a place to dump the bodies that he could come back to. After doing so, he glanced down at his work, it was convincing, especially since there was no doubt that some predators would find their corpses and tare them apart even more. Yes, this was turning out so nicely. He then wheeled his mount and, still holding the others, galloped off. By this time it was nearing dark and he wasn't finished yet. Finally he came to the edge of the Fiore Kingdom and let the horses roam, waiting until they were content in their grazing before heading back to the Castle. In the last moments of light before the blackness took over, he had turned to himself, taking his dagger once more and turning it on his own flesh. Gritting his teeth he made several different wounds on his body, ones that look much worse than they actually were. It was all about the look, he could pull the rest off believably.
Now all that was left was to tell the tale of how they had been attacked and Jet and Droy had disappeared in the fight, how he was once again, lucky to be alive. He would have Lady Mira cooing and fawning over him in minutes, as she would tend to his wounds while he bathed. He would tell her of the battle and the heroic deeds he did to save the knights, but at last they had told him to flee, that they could take care of it themselves, and so he had traveled all that time to get back to the Castle to report and get help, to come back to her just so that she would know he was alright. If he played his cards right, he might even be able to seduce her into the bath with him.
Yes, yes that had all gone so smoothly, just as smoothly as his Death Spell on the King; one that slowly sapped the life from his body that made it look natural. Yes, things were going rather well unlike this day… No matter, no matter at all. He was approaching the castle doors now, and with a final stride he reached forward and opened a door into the Castle once again. No matter, she would be coming back to him soon. He had a plan. But what was all that about the Dragon? Although her story about the man who took care of her was a little far-fetched, it was possible. With this new information now though, he wasn't so sure. He'd have to keep an eye on her, now more so than ever. He'd figure out what she was hiding.
Angry and upset Levy raced her way through the castle all the way back to her rooms. She burst through the door and slammed it shut with a "BANG!" Throwing her back against the heavy wood Levy bit her quivering lip. She could feel hot tears in her eyes and a few slipped down her cheeks as she tried to calm herself. This was just too much. First Jet and Droy were gone, then the King told her of Laxus's intentions, Laxus himself had cornered her and asked her – no – demanded that he have her hand, then she had almost spilled the beans about Gajeel! It was just too much for her to handle right then. She let the tears flow. Clenching her hands into fists. Sliding down the door she hugged her knees to her chest and cried.
When her tears dried she sat and stared out to the balcony, forming different ways of killing Laxus, or having him suddenly "disappearing" into thin air. Not that anyone would mind really. That brought a small smile to her lips.
I wonder if Gajeel really would eat Laxus If I asked him too…?
She giggled at that thought, but it faded quickly as she thought of the Dragon. He had said that they could see each other again. But how were they supposed to manage that? They had no way of communicating, and it wasn't like she could just go walk to his front door and invite herself in…With her luck she would end up getting lost in the Forest again and then what!? Sighing she went back to staring at the world outside her room. The sun was shining and the birds singing their hearts out. It really was a lovely and warm day for the end of May. So different from the day before, though in the distance she could see black thunder clouds once more. With another sigh she pulled herself to her feet throwing the doors open with a flourish and letting the breeze run its fingers through her hair. She went to the bench and ungracefully plopped down, letting her elbow rest on the top of the wall, her chin in her hand as she stared off towards the Black Forest and the mountain where the cave was that harbored a, most likely, sleeping Dragon.
She thought of Jet and Droy. Had Gajeel really killed them? Or was Laxus lying? Was Laxus lying? She wouldn't put it passed him. So, what if Laxus was lying and they weren't attacked by Gajeel at all? What had happened to them then? What if… what if it was Laxus, that attacked them and made it look like Gajeel had! Just to get him in trouble with the King!? But she had no proof to be making such acquisitions… Was Laxus that clever? Clever enough to fool not just a few people, but several, many people all at once? The answer was yes, yes Laxus would do something like that; he had the brain for it. Look at what he had done to his parents. He was very capable of murder without a second thought, and killing Jet and Droy would have been all too easy for him. He was one of, if not the strongest knights in all of Fiore. He was more than capable… almost enough to hunt down a Dragon… what if he tried again? She shuddered at the thought.
Oh how she hated the mess she was in now. How she wished she could be like Gajeel and grow wings of her own and fly away, far, far away. She vaguely wondered where she would go – anywhere – that was obvious, but the more pressing and frankly embarrassing question was, would, could Gajeel come with her? As a companion, guard, guide, something more…? She shook her head to clear it of such nonsense. With another sigh she let her thoughts return to the Dragon. Regardless, Laxus was trouble for both Gajeel and herself. She was worried that Laxus might do some poking around in the Black Forest and run into the Dragon. Laxus was the only one brave enough – and stupid enough – to go through the Black Forest as he pleased. Gajeel would be caught off guard, and Laxus was nothing to sneeze at, then again neither was Gajeel. Still, she was worried about the Dragon. She didn't want something to happen to him because of her carelessness…
But how would she be able to get to him and tell him? Would she be able to sneak out and come back in time? She chewed on her bottom lip. If she was really going to do this then she was going to have to come up with a plan.
Not but a few nights later Levy was pacing in her chambers waiting for the darkness of the night to be absolute. This time she would be more prepared than last time. She waited a little longer to let more people go to bed before she snuck out again. Finally she figured she waited long enough and slipped out of her room. Making her way to the stables, she grabbed a set of saddle bags, and returned to the kitchens to quickly stuff one side of the bags with carrots and apples. She was really going to have to make this up to Max somehow. In the other side, she stuffed a long line and string and a small knife. Quietly as she could she returned to the stables setting aside a small lantern as she greeted Moonlight with an apple. Her mare was eager to ride again and Levy quickly saddled and mounted. Picking her way through the dark she was able to sneak out through the same far gate as she had several nights before. She Let Moonlight gallop as they cleared the manicured lawns of the Castle, and entered the grasslands of the prairie to the northwest of the castle.
They galloped for a long ways until the edge of the Black Forest appeared. Levy guided her mount towards the tree line and slowed to a canter. When Moonlight realized where they were, she slid to a sudden stop and sat back on her hind legs tucking her front legs up under her shoulders.
"Whoa! Easy girl! Easy!" Moonlight righted herself on all fours again and tossed her head turning back towards the castle, "Whoa, hold on a minute! It's ok, you don't have to go in there again." She stroked the puffing mare's neck as she turned her back towards the tree line.
Asking for a trot Levy approached the Forest. A few yards out she rode up to a tree on the outskirts of the Forest. Reaching into her saddle bags she pulled out the rope and tied one end to a sturdy branch. She then encouraged Moonlight to another tree close by and tied the other end of the rope to another branch. She then rode along the line tying an apple or carrot to the line every few feet as she went. Finally she tied the saddle bags over the line with the left over treats, and dismounted. Taking the reins she tied them loosely to the line. This way Moonlight would be preoccupied with getting the hanging treats off the line to worry about her Lady. And when those were gone, there was the saddle bags, and it that still wasn't enough, her reins were long enough that she could graze on the grass. Offering her mare one last little pet, she lit the lantern and began walking towards the Forest.
Levy had estimated the point where she thought Gajeel's cave was on the mountain side when she was on her balcony that afternoon. She had made a mental note, knowing that things would be different in the dark, but she was pretty confident she was in the right place. From this point all she had to do was walk due West and she should run into the little path that lead up the mountain to his front door. The thing Levy had forgotten about was the fact that once in the forest, she couldn't use the stars to navigate by and she must rely on her instincts to direct herself. Currently she figured she was about a third of the way there when she heard something moving behind her. Coming to a stop she listened, trying to keep her courage and bravery, she had made it this far! Again she heard something move to her rear. Slowly she turned and held her lantern out. There was nothing, then, a bush moved and something padded out. Her eyes widened when she saw what was stepping into the orange light of her lantern.
Standing almost shoulder to shoulder with her was a mangy looking wolf. His grey coat was mangled and matted in places, his ribs stuck out as if he hadn't eaten in a very long time. His glowing orange eyes were filled with an empty sort of hunger as he stared her down. She didn't move a hair. The wolf lifted its nose and sniffed the air, smelling her. As if uninterested, he turned and melted back into the shadows. Still she didn't move, holding her breath. Finally she let it out and, after patting her cheeks some to bring herself back to reality, began to walk off again.
She hadn't gone more than a few steps when the hairs on the back of her neck stood up and her body reacted. She lurched forward and down as a snarl ripped through the air as something jumped at the place she had just vacated. Not bothering to look at what her attacker was, she took off running. She could hear the frustrated snarl of the beast behind her, and the noise of it giving chaise. Levy knew she had to find a sanctuary, and fast. Heart racing, mind struggling to keep the panic and fear at bay, she looked for a place to hide, or to lose the beast on her tail. There was no way she could out run the beast, not in her skirts and heavy cloak. Dodging between trees as best she could in her escape attempt, she saw a thick mangle of roots from a massive half uprooted tree and dashed for it.
Barely able to squeeze through the thick roots she scrambled to get as deep into the mess as possible when she heard her pursuer crash into the roots just above her. She let out a scream in surprise and fear, finally braking through the last of the roots and plopped onto her backside on the cold ground. The roots around her acted like a cage to keep the wolf at bay as he frantically attacked the thick roots protecting Levy. Safe for the moment she quickly crawled away from the enraged animal as fast as possible before letting her self breathe again. Adrenaline racing through her veins she realized she had dropped her light in her attempts at sheltering herself. Glancing around she noticed a small gap in the roots to her left where she could see out of and she crawled on all fours slowly to it. Peaking around the roots she spotted her lantern a few feet away; it was still glowing, the flame not yet out, casting an orange and yellow halo of light in the blackness of the Forest. Suddenly her view was obstructed by something massive and furry.
With a snarl the wolf dived for the small opening. Letting out a startled scream she scrambled backwards, to her horror the wolf was able to get a paw through the gap in the roots and was now trying to fit the rest of his body through the opening. He clawed and bit at the thick roots and was slowly making the hole larger. It's going to break through soon! I was so, so stupid! Why did I think that this was a good idea!? All I wanted was to get to Gajeel and warn him about Laxus! And now I'm going to be eaten alive by this wolf! Oh, Help! Help! Gajeel! Help me! GAJEEL!
Squeezing her eyes shut and withdrawing as far from the snarling animal as possible she curled up into a ball and screamed, hoping that, someone, somewhere, might hear her and rescue her. She could hear the snapping of roots and the snarls of the wolf as he clawed a little closer to her, he now had a shoulder through the knotted roots and was gaining ground. This is it… I'm going to die here… oh how could I have been so stupid!? Curling in on herself a little more she waited for the wolf to break through and attack.
OOOOOOOO Cliffhanger! Will Levy survive the atting wolf? Who will come to her rescue!? The Dragon or some white knight!? What about Laxus and what is he really plotting!? Why did I kill off Jet and Droy so early on!? YOU'LL FIND OUT NEXT WEEK!1 MWA HAHAHAHHAA!
Until Next Time! R&R!
